What is Helping Us Through This Season?

This is our fourth year pausing mid-winter to reflect on what is helping some of us through the season.

Nyda Bannerman

For me, the gift of being a grandmother brings the discovery of a deeper, unconditional, more profound form of love while witnessing the world through a child’s eyes. The gray days of winter are brighter when I’m enjoying kisses and cuddles from my granddaughters — getting a second chance to delight in playtime, stories, and milestones, and sharing family stories, traditions, and values. My granddaughters bring me so much joy. And in September, a grandson will be born into the family — the joy keeps growing.

Dan Hanley

The only thing that keeps us going through the winter is getting away! This year we went to Barbados.

Mike Marsh

I’ve been cheating this very cold February 2026 winter in Delray, Florida, with my wife Kim and our dog, Grafton. I’m also grateful to have been selected as a finalist for two nonprofit Request for Proposal (RFP) opportunities and to be working hard on those.

Matt Selihar

Since Colorado has been historically warm and dry this winter, I’ve had to create my own winter weather by spending many hours in hockey rinks with my son. His sister and I continue to cheer him on — and enjoy the crisp rink air!

Erica Bullinger

If you can’t beat winter, join in! This season, we traded the ‘countdown to spring’ for a trip to Lake Placid with some of our favorite people. Between layering up for ski runs, skating at the Olympic rink, or even just holding down the fort at the lodge with endless chocolate milk, I was reminded that there really is magic in this season—and that getting out into that crisp air changes everything. Spring is coming, but these moments made the ‘long dark’ a lot brighter.

Joel Heymsfeld

The Olympics. With all that is going on in the world, it is gratifying to see athletes from all over coming together for sports, which is always a unifying force for humanity.

Joe Schreiner

Watching my dog, Bentley, joyfully play in the snow is helping me through the winter season. His excitement for the snow, regardless of the amount or the time it has been on the ground, serves as a great reminder to enjoy the little things in life.

Tara Bansal

Spending time with my boys and my husband. Cozy evenings on the couch. Unhurried dinners together. I’m noticing how quickly this stage of life is moving — and how precious it feels to have us all under one roof. These ordinary but special moments are what I’m enjoying and want to hold onto.

You can revisit reflections from previous years here:
2023 | 2024 | 2025